Celtic take 'huge risk', club could 'explode' after new development

Celtic are at risk of igniting a volatile atmosphere which is now on the verge of exploding after their latest statement slamming the fans.

This came after the fans launched protests against minority owner Dermot Desmond, throwing tennis balls and raising banners during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Celtic's largest individual shareholder was involved in the golf tournament at St Andrews, and fans chose to protest against recent board decisions, leading to growing tensions.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that while the actions of those involved are questionable, Celtic's statement will only spark further issues.

The Hoops' official statement accused the supporters, representing the Celtic Fans' Collective, of tarnishing the club's reputation in what was a strongly-worded outburst.

This comes shortly after the club's public attack on the Green Brigade, who were also named in the statement, and risks escalating the toxic feeling at Celtic Park.

Why are Celtic fans protesting against the board?

Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness warned Football Insider in June that Celtic fans have been looking for an excuse to reignite their protest against the board's decisions.

Uncertainty surrounding their activity in the transfer market, managerial appointments and the relationship with supporters have all led to growing tensions at Parkhead.

While the club may be right that not all supporters will agree with the CFC, and the decision to take their protests away from Parkhead may be questioned, their statement will not help.

"Celtic have taken a huge risk by speaking out against their fans like that," Brown told Football Insider.

"They may not agree with the way things have been done, there is certainly room to question and criticise their actions, but that statement is going to do very little to help.

"It's clear that the fans aren't happy with the board, they've been protesting for a while and then there's been this latest incident.

"But for the board to come out and accuse them of tarnishing the club's reputation and all of that, it's only going to make the volatile atmosphere worse, the fans won't respond well.

"Things might explode, and if their recent results on the pitch weren't bad enough, the atmosphere in the stands is going to turn toxic. That's not good for anybody."

What is next for the Celtic board?

This latest round of protests from Celtic supporters group has reaffirmed their stance that changes must be made right at the top of the club.

Failure to push forward after years of domestic success has led to growing concerns, while continued delays and a lack of urgency in the transfer market sparked further issues.

Wyness told Football Insider on 3 October that Celtic are in need of a major overhaul of their board, who are largely to blame for their lack of progress on the pitch.

Despite years of dominance at the top of Scottish football, they have failed to make any European inroads due to poor planning and a lack of forward-thinking decisions.

There is now a belief that it will take a switch at the top of the club for them to make any real progress, and the latest round of protests are calling for that change.